Nintendo on Wednesday officially unveiled its Switch 2 game console, which uses a custom Nvidia processor. The device will launch on June 5 and cost $449.99.
The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, has sold nearly 151 million units worldwide. It is a hybrid device that can switch from a television-based console to a portable device.
The Switch 2 has a bigger display at 7.9 inches, vs. the original's 6.2-inch screen. The new display also is more vibrant and supports 120-frames-per-second video for smoother game play. Switch 2 also features redesigned Joy-Con controllers.
Nvidia is making a custom chip for the device that combines a central processing unit and graphics processing unit. Nintendo and Nvidia did not provide technical specifications for the new chip.
Nintendo said the new chip has faster processing speeds to enable higher-resolution graphics (up to 4K) and quicker game loading times.
On the stock market today, Nintendo's U.S. shares rose 1.4% to close at 17.39. Nvidia stock traded sideways, ending the regular session up 0.3% to 110.42.
A new feature with Switch 2 is voice and video chat that allows users to interact with other players remotely during matches.
The video capability for GameChat requires the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera peripheral. GameChat also requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, but there will be a free period for gamers to try out the new function.
EA, Take-Two To Make Switch 2 Games
"Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch," Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said in a press release.
Consumers can preorder the console from participating retailers on April 9.
During a webcast on Wednesday, Nintendo executives showed off a host of new game software for the console. The flagship launch title is "Mario Kart World," an expansive, open-world edition of Nintendo's popular racing game franchise.
Other first-party titles include "Donkey Kong Bananza" and "Kirby Air Riders"
Third-party game publishers also have lined up to offer titles on Switch 2. They include Electronic Arts with its "EA Sports FC" and "Madden NFL" franchises and Take-Two Interactive Software with "NBA 2K," "WWE 2K," "Borderlands 4" and "Sid Meier's Civilization 7."
Follow Patrick Seitz on X, formerly Twitter, at @IBD_PSeitz for more stories on consumer technology, software and semiconductor stocks.
